Are you ready to take your course design to the next level with Blackboard Ultra? The Trent Teaching Commons is pleased to introduce Ultra Big Shiny Courses; an enhanced and reimagined set of supports designed specifically for Blackboard Ultra as we approach the Fall 2026 deadline for all courses to move to the new platform.
Big Shiny Courses is designed to help instructors refine and polish their Blackboard course sites with expert guidance and hands-on practice. With the shift to Ultra, we've updated this offering to reflect the enhanced features, streamlined interface, and pedagogically powerful tools that Ultra provides making it easier than ever to build intuitive, accessible, and engagning course experiences for your students.
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What is "Ultra Big Shiny Courses"?
Ultra Big Shiny Courses is a flexible, self-paced micro-credential that supports Trent faculty and instructors in designing Ultra courses that are:
- Clear and Intuitive: Organized so learners can easily find what they need and focus on learning.
- Accessible by Design: Built with inclusive practices that support all learners.
- Engaging and Interactive: Using Ultra's built-in tools for immersive learning experiences.
- Visually Polished: Leveraging modern layouts and media to help your course shine.
This updated version blends theoretical insight with practical application and gives you the tools to apply what you learn directly into your Blackboard Ultra course.
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Who Is It For?
Ultra Big Shiny Courses is designed for Trent instructors, sessional faculty, and teaching assistants who are:
- Moving their course content into Blackboard Ultra
- Looking to build a new Ultra course grounded in sound design and inclusive teaching principles.
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What You'll Learn
Participants will explore modules that focus on:
Clear Navigation & Structure
Building intuitive Ultra course pathways so learners always know where they are and what comes next.
Ultra Accessibility Essentials
Applying accessibility best practices using Ultra-friendly tools (headings, alt text, semantic content, meaningful activity descriptions).
Visual Appeal & Media
Using Ultra's rich content and layout options to elevate the look and feel of your course.
Engagement & Interaction
Leveraging tools to cultivate learner presence and participation.
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Testimonials
"Ultra Big Shiny courses achieves a rare feat of bringing creativity and fun to what I had thought would be rather straight forward and dry material. The units provided me with a clear understanding of the Blackboard Ultra platform, but they also inspired me to consider new ways to use online features to engage my students. And, grooving my way through the "greatest hits" of the course was a joy!"
- Dana Capell, Senior Education Developer
"The Ultra Big Shiny Courses Microcredential was incredibly valuable for me as a course instructor. I always want my Blackboard courses, both online and in person, to feel engaging and intuitive. I want my students to be able to easily find and access all course components. This microcredential helped me prepare for the transition to Blackboard Ultra by highlighting how to create thoughtful, accessible, and visually appealing content, as well as how to utilize some of the new Ultra features. This microcredential was well-designed and fun to work through."
- Devon Stillwell, Education Developer (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning)
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How to Participate
You can enroll in the Ultra Big Shiny Courses at any time. It's offered as an asynchronous course available year-round. Simply clicking the link to the course will enroll you, and you can begin exploring the modules immediately.
Tip: Want a quick overview of what's inside before you enroll? Contact the Teaching Commons for a preview or schedule a consult to walk through the Ultra tools together.
Support and Contact
For questions or additional support, reach out to the Teaching Commons team at teachingcommons@trentu.ca